As a teen in Vaughan, I know that finishing the school year always comes with pressure, final assignments, exams, and trying to finish everything before summer break starts. But after spending my co-op in a mental health-focused environment, I’ve realized just how much we don’t talk about the toll that pressure actually takes. End of school year stress IS real. And needs to be discussed.
This time of year is supposed to feel like a finish line. But for a lot of us, it feels more like burnout.
End of School Year Stress – Not Just Teen Stress
You hear it all the time “everyone’s stressed this time of year” or “you’re just tired, it’s normal” but sometimes it’s more than that. I’ve had days where my body is present but my brain is somewhere else. Days where my energy’s gone, even though I slept fine are too common.
Feeling drained can look like:
- Losing motivation for things you usually enjoy
- Feeling emotionally flat and/or disconnected
- Always tired, even with sleep
- Getting irritated more easily than usual
One thing I learned during my co-op is that feeling this way over a long period isn’t just “having a rough week.” It’s your body and mind telling you they’re overwhelmed. As teens approach the end of the school year, it gets even worse.
Summer isn’t a cure
We like to imagine that summer break will magically fix everything. But mental health doesn’t take a vacation. A lot of us carry anxiety with us into the summer, about jobs, family dynamics, or even the fear of falling behind in life. And without the structure of school, that anxiety can sometimes grow louder.
Personally, I’ve noticed that even after summer break starts, I still keep stressing about school. It’s like my brain doesn’t know how to switch out of survival mode. I keep thinking about what I didn’t do well enough, what’s coming next year, or how I’ll “catch up” before the fall. It’s frustrating because even when the pressure should be off, it still weighs on me. I know I’m not the only one who feels like this, and honestly, that’s why we need to talk about it more.
What’s actually helped me:
Through my co-op, I picked up a few things I wish more students knew:
- Rest is part of staying well. You don’t need to “earn” it by reaching a breaking point.
- It’s okay to talk. Saying how you feel doesn’t make you weak,it means you’re aware of what’s going on.
- You can find some great ideas here too!
We also need:
- Supports that are actually accessible and not just for show.
- Adults who check in and actually listen.
- Time and space to just exist, not always be productive.
Final thoughts
If you’re ending the school year feeling overwhelmed, you’re not “overreacting.” Your feelings are real, and they deserve space. Don’t let anyone tell you that your struggles are just a phase, or that you need to “toughen up.” You’re allowed to not be okay.
And if summer’s coming and you still feel off, that’s okay too. The best thing you can give yourself right now is compassion, time to rest, and permission to just be.
Your mental health matters.
Written by: Karma Attia, Grade 12 High School Co-Op Student
